Air Force Assistance Fund: Helping the Air Force Family, Part 1

  • Published
  • By Capt. Robert Weitershausen
  • 6th Air Refueling Squadron
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE,Calif. --  As the 2010 Travis Air Force Assistance Fund drive kicks off, let's take a moment to get a closer look at each of the four charities that directly benefit from the campaign. This week let's talk about the Air Force Aid Society.

The AFAS was founded as a nonprofit organization in 1942 by members of the Army Air Corps and the World War II Air Forces who wanted to take care of their own. Today, it is the official charity of the U.S. Air Force.

The AFAS was built upon the concept of promoting the Air Force mission through upholding a three-pronged charter: provide worldwide emergency assistance to Air Force members and their families, sponsor education assistance programs and offer a variety of base community enhancement programs. In 2009, the AFAS donated $21.6 million toward fulfilling this charter.

Emergency assistance is provided primarily through the Airman and Family Readiness Center located on base. Local officials have the ability to approve most requests. Additionally, the AFAS issues Falcon loans and grants - interest-free loans given for such purposes as food, rent, utilities, car repair and some medical care costs. In 2009, $12.2 million was dedicated strictly to emergency assistance.

Education assistance programs include education grants, scholarships and tuition assistance. In the coming year, the AFAS will give out 3,000 scholarships, at $2,000 each. A highlight from last year was the 2,200 spouses who were able to take advantage of the tuition assistance for the overseas spouses program. In 2009, more than $7.2 million was dedicated solely to education programs.

Community enhancement programs include several different child-care programs, respite care, spouse orientation and employment programs, Bundles for Babies and phone and car repair programs. In 2009, $2.2 million was dedicated to helping improve the Air Force community.
I
n order to provide this large amount of support, the AFAS is overseen at any time by 18 to 23 board members, with active-duty representatives including the chief of staff of the Air Force. As such, from top to bottom, Air Force officials are directly involved in AFAS activities.

The primary source of income for the AFAS is the annual Air Force Assistance Fund campaign. The money received by the AFAS from the AFAF is put directly to use in helping Air Force members and their families.

For further information on the Air Force Aid Society, visit their Web site at www.afas.org or contact your unit representative.

Travis Public Affairs is interested in your AFAF story. To share how you have benefited from the AFAF, call the 60th Air Mobility Wing PA office at 424-2011.